It helps if you scarify lupin seed before you plant it. If planted now and if you have a fairly long growing season you might get them to bloom this year. As far as I know they don't need stratification to germinate. To the best of my knowledge Lupin seed can be started almost anytime of the year. For me it is usually in the second year that they bloom. Even if they don't bloom for you this year if you sow them now you most certainly will have some fair sized plants for next year.

A......

You may get some weak bloom late this year but next year is the real show. Scarify and soak overnight in hot water before planting in about 70 degree soil. Al

Dereks - Wow!!! Now *that's* a lusty planting of lupine!

Very nice pic Dereks!!! Geez, mine never look like that. I have tried them every year for the last 3 years, and mine never get over 10" tall, and I have never had a bloom. I've tried so many dif areas, dif light from full sun to part sun. I want to have these beauties bloomin in my garden, but they just don't seem to like me.
Any advice you can give me?
Daniella

Daniella, they are planted in sandy soil with lots of manure mixed in. Full sun with quite a bit of watering. Last summer was unusually hot so I don't know if they will do so well this year.

Thanks Dereks, sandy soil it is this year..in my well manured bed, lol.
Thanks!
Daniella

They are like weeds in my yard. Thankfully, I love them and dont mind where they pop up. Mine were started from Russell seeds also. I have a rainbow of colors. Love, love Lupines! I think they formed robust plants the first year and bloomed the second. The leaves are very attractive, and you must put up with the first years growth in order to have a continuum of blooms for ever after. The blooming plant dies off and you have to rely on the baby plants to keep the blooms going. So let the tops ripen and fall over, or scatter the seeds where you want. One of the best plants. Pondy

Oh my gosh Derek!!! Those are absolutely beautiful!! I am definitely going to wintersow the whole packet! Thanks for your input everyone! :)

Hello. My lupine are in the second year. I planted them from 3-5 gallon plants last fall. They are very weak plants. Does anyone have ideas to tie them or help them gain strength?

Lupins will not grow well in alkaline soil - I can always get one decent year out of them but they just go chlorotic and fade away.

Slugs eat the emerging foliage to the ground if I don't bait them--reminds me to get some beer!
Beautiful Derek!